The Rock and Spindle

Island in Fife

Scotland

The Rock and Spindle

Kittock's Den With the North Sea in the background. — Kittock's Den Credit: James Allan

The Rock and Spindle is a small island located off the coast of Fife, Scotland. With an area of approximately 0.3 hectares, it is one of the tiniest islands in the region. The island gets its name from the unique rock formation found on its shores, resembling a large spindle or spinning top.

Situated in the Firth of Forth, the Rock and Spindle is largely uninhabited, with no permanent residents or structures. The island is privately owned and serves primarily as a nature reserve, providing a sanctuary for various bird species. It is particularly known for being home to a colony of nesting seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills, and puffins. The island's rocky cliffs and ledges provide ideal nesting sites and protection from predators.

Access to the Rock and Spindle is restricted to protect the delicate ecosystem and the wildlife that inhabits it. However, visitors can observe the island and its wildlife from a distance by boat or from the nearby coastal areas. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts often visit the island during the breeding season, hoping to catch a glimpse of the diverse birdlife.

Although small in size, the Rock and Spindle offers a fascinating natural spectacle and serves as an important habitat for seabirds in the Firth of Forth. Its unique rock formation and abundant wildlife make it a popular attraction for those seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquility of Scotland's coastal landscapes.

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The Rock and Spindle Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.330527/-2.7474753 or Grid Reference NO5315. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Kittock's Den

With the North Sea in the background.

James Allan

Milepost near Brownhills

The milepost stands at the junction of the A917 and the B9139.

Maigheach-gheal

Road junction near Brownhills

The junction of the B9131 and the B917. There is a milepost just behind the seat on the right hand verge. For a closer view NO5215 : Milepost near Brownhills

Maigheach-gheal

Milestone near Brownhills

The milestone stands at the junction of the A917 and the road to the sewage works. Milestones are the original roadside heritage features with many dating back hundreds of years and these historic items are under threat from highway developments.

Maigheach-gheal

Milestone near Brownhills

The milestone stands at the junction of the A917 and the road to the sewage works. Milestones did not come into general use until the Turnpike Act of 1766 made them compulsory on turnpike roads, these roads were built by private enterprise under licence from the Government and maintained by tolls on those who used them. Before this Act milestones were put up occasionally, often as charitable acts and commemorations. Many Turnpike Act stones still exist. They are usually 2-3 ft high, with the initial letter or abbreviation of the nearest market town shown on two faces, and the distance from it. There is an Ordnance Survey bench mark on the side of the stone.

Maigheach-gheal

Bench Mark, milestone near Brownhills

The Ordnance Survey bench mark is to be found on the side of the milestone. For a wider view of the milestone NO5314 : Milestone near Brownhills and for further information on the cut mark and others in the area Link

Maigheach-gheal

Tending the land, Prior Muir

I am not totally sure be I think the tractor is planting seed then harrowing it into the soil.

Maigheach-gheal

Milestone, Thornbank

The milestone stands beside the A917. Milestones are the original roadside heritage features with many dating back hundreds of years and these historic items are under threat from highway developments.

Maigheach-gheal

Milestone and bench mark, Thornbank

The Ordnance Survey bench mark is to be found on the side of the milestone. For a wider view of the stone NO5414 : Milestone, Thornbank and for further information on the cut mark and others in the area Link

Maigheach-gheal

Milestone, Thornbank

For a view of the other side of the milestone NO5414 : Milestone and bench mark, Thornbank and a wider view NO5414 : Milestone, Thornbank . Milestones did not come into general use until the Turnpike Act of 1766 made them compulsory on turnpike roads, these roads were built by private enterprise under licence from the Government and maintained by tolls on those who used them. Before this Act milestones were put up occasionally, often as charitable acts and commemorations. Many Turnpike Act stones still exist. They are usually 2-3 ft high, with the initial letter or abbreviation of the nearest market town shown on two faces, and the distance from it.

Maigheach-gheal

Seed Drilling

The tractor with a variety of machines attached is seed drilling.

Maigheach-gheal

View from Maiden Rock

Looking across the shore at low tide and across to St Andrews

Lis Burke

View towards St Andrews

This section of the Fife Coastal Path can't be walked at high tide, so the view from the path towards St Andrews is punctuated by rocks jutting out from the shore line

Lis Burke

Wait here at high tide

The absence of any prior warning would make this sign particularly unhelpful for those intent on reaching St Andrews within a reasonable timeframe. Having encountered it before, we checked the tide times before planning today's walk on this stretch of the Fife Coastal Path.

Lis Burke